Meet our 2024 Spirit of Steinhardt alumni award recipients.
Their combined work, achievements and ambitions reflect the five mission pillars of the School - Social Impact, Values-Driven Leadership, Innovation, Striving for Excellence and Global Engagement - which combined, are the driving force behind the “The Spirit of Steinhardt.”
We are the School of Culture, Education and Human Development whose alumni are the Disrupters, the Visionaries and the Ascending Champions of our global community.
Ascending Champion
Micheal Quach
(BS `22, Teaching Physics)
Micheal graduated from NYU in 2022 with a BS in Teaching Physics, grades 7-12 and is a first generation college graduate. He is entering his third year of teaching high school physics and psychology at Townsend Harris High School in Flushing, NY where he also coaches the robotics team and the Science Olympiad. He is currently pursuing his masters degree in education and volunteers with organizations serving the homeless. “I have wanted to be a teacher since I was 14 years old, and it has truly been surreal being able to live out my dreams,” Michael notes. “As a student, my teachers consistently showed grace and compassion even when I didn't deserve it; they saw me as a person worth fighting for and I have wanted to emulate that ethos ever since. Although there have been many struggles over the last few years, I am truly grateful to know that even the hardest days are meaningful. To my students: I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Thank you for letting me into your lives and letting me be a part of your story. It is because of you that I have been able to do what I love surrounded by the people I love.”
Disrupter of the Year
Adam Stevens
(MA `18 Drama Therapy)
Adam D-F. Stevens (they|them), MA, RDT, is a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) who works with queer, POC, and neurodivergent youth in transforming their loss, grief, and trauma into unapologetic, abundant joy and empowerment. Adam serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Creative Arts Therapy/Applied Theatre Programs at Antioch University in Seattle, and CUNY and Marymount Manhattan College in NYC. They are the Artistic Director for NYU’s Collideoscope Repertory Theatre Company, CRTC. CRTC’s mission is to advance racial justice and healing through performance. Adam is a doctoral student in the NYU’s Educational Theatre PhD Program. Adam is a board member for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, NACG, where much of their work includes bringing a multicultural, social justice, and creative lens to grief and bereavement work. Additionally, they sit on the Board of Directors for the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) as the current President. Adam's superpowers are rooted in the fantastical forces of creativity and love.
Steinhardt Visionary
Susan Antolin
(EDD `22, Leadership and Innovation)
Dr. Susan Aryan Antolin is a passionate advocate and leader dedicated to empowering Afghan refugee women and girls on a global scale. As Executive Director of Women for Afghan Women (WAW), she oversees comprehensive programs that support mental health, academic advancement, and community integration. Through robust humanitarian programs in Afghanistan, WAW provides critical support such as access to healthcare, legal aid, shelter, and educational opportunities, helping Afghan women rebuild their lives with dignity and hope for the future. Previously, as the Director of Community and Mentorship at the 30 Birds Foundation, Susan spearheaded impactful programs in Canada and the U.S. for Afghan refugee women and girls, focusing on access to postsecondary education, mental health support, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Susan is also the co-founder of Advancing Girls, a platform offering research-driven resources for mentors worldwide. She serves on the board of STEER for Student Athletes in New York City. With an extensive career in education, Susan has held roles as an administrator, program director, and humanities instructor in Southern California. Susan holds an Ed.D. from NYU, an M.Ed. from the University of San Diego, and a B.A. from UCLA.
